By Ayo Kehinde
Aregbesola
Following the United States January 31 Visa Ban imposed on Nigeria alongside six other countries of Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar with effect from February 21, the Federal Government of Nigeria has set up a committee headed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rauf Aregebsola to study the ban and inform the government of necessary steps to take.
According to the Us agency, Department of Homeland Security, DHS,For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. The suspension does not apply to other U.S visas such as those for official, business, tourism and student travel.
The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments. This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.
In a statement, Mr Femi Adesina, Special Media Assistant to the president on Media, said; “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security. Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.
